When you go hunting, you should be prepared to both field-dress your game and to handle a variety of situations such as, cutting tree limbs, emergency repairs to your gear and chores around your campsite. Manufacturers offer a wide choice of knives and tools to help you get the job done without packing your entire toolbox.

Hunting knives come in a variety of styles, each designed for specific tasks. Here's an overview of the types and styles offered and their general purposes.

Bowie knife

Designed for heavy-duty all around use

It has a blood groove for field-dressing game

Its biggest drawback is its heavy weight and long blade

Drop-point knife

The blade is designed for small game and birds but it's also a good choice if you bag a trophy and must carefully skin out the head

Skinning knife

With a wide blade and a fine edge, this is specifically designed for skinning big game

It is limited in performing other tasks

Boning knife

If you want to butcher your own game, this knife is a workhorse provided you keep it sharp

Gutting knife

Designed to help you clean out game

The tip of the blade normally has a second blade with a hook to prevent snagging

You can also select a skinning-gutting knife for multiple tasks

Multipurpose knives

Many knives are designed to give you flexibility in accomplishing several tasks

While these designs may not master a specific chore, they are good options if you prefer an all-around workhorse

Size

There are two key considerations when choosing the right size knife, the blade length and the handle length

The blade of most hunting knives is usually preferred to be no longer than 4 1/2 inches, although you may choose a longer blade for heavy-duty chores, such as gutting and boning. If you are undecided, find a 5-inch blade, which gives you a knife that can perform several jobs.

On the handle, you should have a grip that gives you about one-quarter inch of space on each side of your hand. This maximizes your comfort, especially when you use your knife over extended periods.

Blades

There are two basic kinds of blades: fixed and folding

Fixed knives have the blade and handle all in one piece. If you prefer a fixed blade knife, you should also purchase a sheath for convenient storage and to avoid injury. Many manufacturers sell their knives with a sheath included but you can always buy this separately.

Folding knives offer convenience and protection. A folding hunting knife with a 4-inch blade is only 5 inches long when folded so it can be easily stored on your belt or in your pocket.

Materials

Blade materials

Many blades are made of stainless steel to avoid rust and to provide the temper needed to do the job for which the knife is designed

Some manufacturers now use carbon steel because it makes sharpening the blade easier, but these generally require more care

To enhance hardness, a titanium nitride is often coated on the steel. This also makes sharpening easier.

Handle materials

Handles come in different materials

Traditional wood handles provide grip and aesthetics

Some manufacturers wrap the handle with a tape to give you a better grip

Rubberized handles with a texture also afford a better grip, increase comfort and absorb shock

Many folding knives are offered with a molded, textured plastic for durability and grip

Features

For sheath knives, check the tang- how far the blade extends into the handle. Those that extend well into or all the way through the handle are generally stronger.

Many manufacturers list a rating on their steel known as the Rockwell C scale, this measures the ideal hardness of a blade. A low C-scale reading may mean the blade is too soft so it will lose its edge quickly. A high C-scale rating may mean the steel is too hard, consequently the blade can't withstand pressure, impact and torquing. A Rockwell C scale hardness in the mid-to upper 50s is considered best for most blade applications.

Serrated blades give you added cutting power, especially useful for cutting rope, cord and other materials. The extra teeth give you this cutting power. You can buy knives that are either partially or fully serrated. The partially serrated knife gives you the choice of two cutting edges in one blade.